switching later heads & jugs to a 1972

[243ron]

One question, can it be done?

[Pynzo]

Every year from '72 to '85 should be interchangeable. Make sure your headgaskets are the same thickness. I recall having 2 different headgaskets for an '83 XLX I once owned. All '70 to '85 intake and '58 to '85 exhaust valves, as well as springs, seals, pushrods, rocker boxes, rockers and shafts will work for your '72. You'll need 1000cc jugs and pistons. Vtwin lists kits for '72 to early '73, and late '73 to '85. I dont know what the difference between the 2 might be.

[jmanjeff]

the main difference between the '72 to early '73, and late '73 to '85 is the head bolt  pattern

[saltcaveminer]

yes as long as the heads and jugs are a match.Salty

[ricochet]

Yes, the heads and jugs must match.  Difference in head bolt holes in the barrels and the firering size and mating groove in the heads.  72 and early 73 is one type then late 73 up another.  Can't mix and match between the heads and jugs but can put either early or late "sets" on 72 and up cases and crank/piston assemblies.

ricochet

[243ron]

Thanks guys, just what I had hoped.

[fzee]

I know that this is an old post but it's exactly the info I have been looking for!!   Just to clarify, if the part number on the head ends in -72 am I to understand that it is a 1972 vintage?  Would the L-73 and later head have a part # that ends in -73?   Thanks!!